Our Programmes
We enhance access to justice for women and girls in marginalised communities. We utilise a combination of strategies, including legal clinics, legal research, and capacity enhancement of GBV survivors as focal persons within their communities that direct victims and survivors to essential GBV referral services.
Legal Empowerment
At the Gender and Justice Unit, we believe in the power of legal empowerment to bring about positive change in individuals and communities. Our comprehensive range of activities ensures that every individual has the knowledge, tools, and support to engage effectively with the legal system, promote gender equality, and uphold social justice. Through these initiatives, we strive to enhance accountability, transparency, and responsiveness within the legal framework.
Legal Empowerment
Our Activities:
Legal Clinics: Our legal clinics provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to seek guidance and advice on legal matters that impact their lives. Our expert legal professionals offer free consultations, helping people understand their rights and the available courses of action. By fostering a direct connection between citizens and the legal system, we empower individuals to make informed decisions.
GBV Clinic: Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue globally. Our GBV clinic specialises in providing support to survivors of GBV. We offer confidential counselling, legal assistance, and referrals to relevant services. We aim to empower survivors to navigate the legal process and access justice while also working towards preventing future instances of GBV.
Strategic Litigation: Strategic litigation involves using the legal system to bring about systemic change. We identify key cases that have the potential to set legal precedents or challenge unjust laws. Through strategic litigation, we aim to shape legal interpretations that align with equality and social justice principles, thereby creating a fairer legal landscape for all.
Legal Accompaniment: Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially for those with limited resources or marginalised backgrounds. Our legal accompaniment program pairs individuals with trained advocates who provide guidance throughout legal proceedings, ensuring that their voices are heard.
GBV Booklets: Education is a powerful tool in the fight against gender-based violence. Our GBV booklets are accessible resources that provide comprehensive information about recognising, addressing, and preventing GBV. These booklets are designed for both survivors and the general public, promoting awareness and understanding.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Recognising the importance of accessibility, our IVR system allows individuals to access legal information and assistance through phone calls. This technology ensures that even those without internet access can receive vital legal information, bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity.
MalawiLII – Legal Information: Our online platform, MalawiLII, serves as a hub for legal information, statutes, case law, and resources. We are committed to making legal information freely available to all, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing legal literacy within the community.
At GJU we are dedicated to creating a society where legal empowerment is not a privilege but a right. Through our range of activities, we aim to inspire active engagement with the legal system, promote gender equality, and uphold social justice values. Join us on this journey toward a more equitable and empowered future.
Strategic Partnerships
We are committed to igniting impactful change in the realm of public law. We recognise that addressing complex issues, particularly those that impact the marginalised and the environment, requires a united effort and strategic partnerships. Through our collaborations with diverse organisations and individuals, we strive to advocate for systematic change that brings justice, equity, and sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships
Our Collaborative Initiatives:
BFL Uganda – Programming and Learning Exchanges: In partnership with BFL Uganda, we engage in meaningful programming and learning exchanges. Together, we harness our collective insights and resources to address critical issues at the intersection of law and social justice. These exchanges are platforms for sharing knowledge, strategies, and best practices, amplifying our impact and driving transformative change.
ISLA Litigation Unit: Our collaboration with ISLA to provide a Litigation Unit is dedicated to advancing gender justice and equality. By leveraging legal expertise, we challenge discriminatory practices and laws perpetuating inequality. Through strategic litigation, we aim to shape legal landscapes that protect the rights of all, regardless of gender.
TrustPSS – Safe house and Psychological First Aid (PFA) Support: Our partnership with TrustPSS involves providing essential support to trauma survivors. We operate a safe house and offer Psychological First Aid (PFA) support to our staff and Training of Trainers (ToTs). Through this collaboration, we create safe spaces for healing, empowerment, and resilience.
WOJAM – Addressing Sexual Harassment and Sextortion: Collaborating with WOJAM, we confront the pressing issues of sexual harassment and sextortion within legal frameworks. Our joint efforts encompass advocacy, raising awareness, and delivering specialised training. By equipping legal professionals and the community with knowledge, we strive to eradicate these forms of abuse.
Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) – Promoting Human Rights Awareness: Through our partnership with the Independent Complaints Commission (ICC), we orchestrate the enlightening Pabwalo Town Hall event. Additionally, we work to ensure community-wide awareness of human rights complaints mechanisms. By empowering individuals with knowledge, we promote accountability and human rights protection.
Parliamentary Women’s Caucus and Women Councillors Caucus – Empowering Women Leaders: We collaborate closely with the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus and Women Councillors Caucus to empower women leaders. Our shared efforts involve training, support, and advocacy to amplify the roles of women in leadership. Through our partnership, we aspire to elevate the voices and contributions of women in shaping public law matters.
Katswe Sisterhood, Young Feminist Network and Feministing While African – Fuelling Feminist Movements: With the Young Feminist Network and Feministing While African, we nurture feminist movements through online training and support. Our collaboration focuses on building capacities, providing resources, and fostering spaces for feminist activism. Together, we champion gender justice and equity.
DGRU & AfricanLII/Laws.Africa – Enabling Access to Legal Information: Through our partnership with DGRU and AfricanLII/Laws.Africa, we ensure the provision of MalawiLII – an online platform for legal information. By leveraging technology and collaboration, we promote transparency, accessibility, and knowledge dissemination within legal contexts.
Join us at GJU as we champion transformative change through dynamic collaborations. We aspire to create a world where justice, fairness, and environmental sustainability flourish.
Research, Writing & Advocacy
GJU aims to be a hub of legal research, writing, and advocacy that brings a unique South Global perspective to the forefront. We dive deep into the complexities of the law and its interactions with the everyday experiences of marginalised and vulnerable populations, focusing on women and those marginalised due to their gender and sexual orientation. The pursuit of justice, equity, and inclusivity drives our work.
Research, Writing & Advocacy
Our Core Activities:
Research on Sexual Harassment and Sextortion in the Courts: We delve into the intricate realm of sexual harassment and sextortion within legal systems. We seek to uncover the challenges and gaps perpetuating these injustices through rigorous research. By shining a light on these issues, we strive to drive changes in policies and practices, creating safer environments for all.
Legal Articles and Papers: Our legal experts contribute thought-provoking articles and papers that critically analyse the intersections between law and marginalised populations. These publications serve as platforms for insightful discussions, helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact.
Social Media Awareness Campaigns: Harnessing the power of social media, we run awareness campaigns that amplify the voices of marginalised and vulnerable groups. Through informative content, engaging visuals, and compelling narratives, we aim to foster understanding and empathy while driving broader societal change.
GJU Civil Justice Needs Research: Our research focuses on understanding the civil justice needs of marginalised communities. By identifying gaps and barriers, we contribute to more accessible and equitable legal systems that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals.
COVID and AGYW Research: Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we turned our attention to its impact on Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Our research sheds light on their unique challenges, particularly regarding legal rights and protections, aiming to advocate for tailored support and solutions.
Access to Justice Studies under the UN Women Spotlight Initiative in Malawi: Through our partnership with WOJAM and WLA under the UN Women Spotlight Initiative, we conducted comprehensive access to justice studies in Malawi. Our research examined the intersectional dynamics that affect marginalised groups, focusing on gender-based violence and discrimination. By generating insights, we contribute to evidence-based policies and interventions.
Pabwalo – Community Town Hall: At the heart of our community engagement efforts is Pabwalo, our community town hall initiative. This platform fosters discussions between legal experts, activists, and the community. By providing a safe space for dialogue, we bridge the gap between lived experiences and legal discourse, working toward holistic solutions.
Technical Assistance
We are dedicated to working alongside partners and communities to bring about positive change through expert guidance and support. Our focus on collaborative efforts drives us to create effective and sustainable solutions.
Technical Assistance
Our Technical Assistance Initiatives:
Supporting Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures – Nkhotakota District Council: We are proud to partner with the Embassy of Iceland in Malawi to facilitate a project that holds the potential to change lives. Our Gender and Justice Unit provides crucial technical assistance to the Nkhotakota District Council. This collaboration aims to finalise and operationalise a comprehensive sexual harassment policy and procedures framework. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for all individuals within the district by aligning with global best practices and tailoring solutions to the local context.
GBV Viral Load Research: The Gender and Justice Unit takes a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Our recent engagement involves conducting GBV Viral Load Research, a critical undertaking that delves into the complexities of GBV and its impact on individuals and communities. By examining the viral load of GBV, we gain insights that inform effective interventions, policy advocacy, and support systems. This research underscores our commitment to evidence-based approaches that drive meaningful change.
Technical assistance services
We offer a range of tailored services that cater to the diverse needs of organisations, communities, and individuals striving to make a difference. We empower you to create lasting impact through our expertise in research, bespoke tool development, and training/facilitation services.
Our Services:
1. Research for Informed Action: Our research initiatives go beyond data collection. We specialise in generating insights that fuel effective strategies, policies, and interventions. Whether you aim to understand gender dynamics, address gender-based violence, or explore the intersection of law and marginalised populations, our research is designed to provide actionable recommendations. You tap into evidence-based solutions that drive meaningful change by partnering with us.
2. Bespoke Legal Empowerment Tools: Legal empowerment is at the heart of what we do. Our unit is equipped to develop customised legal empowerment tools that resonate with your target audience. From informative booklets and accessible guides to digital resources and awareness campaigns, our tools bridge the gap between legal complexities and everyday lives. Together, we empower individuals with knowledge that translates into informed decision-making.
3. Training and Facilitation Excellence: Our training and facilitation services are designed to inspire transformative learning experiences. Whether you’re seeking workshops, seminars, or community town halls, our experts facilitate discussions that foster awareness, empathy, and action. We tailor our approach to suit your goals, ensuring participants leave equipped with new insights and tools for change.
Why Engage with Us:
- Expertise: Our team brings deep knowledge of gender justice, legal empowerment, and social change. We understand the nuances of addressing complex challenges and the importance of context-specific solutions.
- Collaboration: When you engage with us, you’re not just hiring a service provider; you’re entering a partnership. We collaborate closely to understand your needs, goals, and aspirations, ensuring our services align with your vision.
- Impact-Driven: Our services are designed to create real impact. Whether it’s research that informs policies, tools that empower individuals, or training that sparks action, we’re committed to making a difference.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: We believe in inclusivity and diversity as drivers of innovation and equitable outcomes. Our approach ensures that our services are accessible and resonate with diverse communities.
Let’s Create Change Together:
Whether you’re an organisation, community group, or individual championing gender justice and legal empowerment, the Gender and Justice Unit is here to support your journey. Our services are tailored to your unique needs, amplifying your efforts and turning aspirations into reality. Reach out to us today to explore how we can collaborate and drive positive change.